Photos: Vancouver goes up in smoke at annual 420 cannabis rally

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      They came, they saw, and they toked.

      Vancouver's 18th annual 420 cannabis rally took place on Saturday (April 20), sending the downtown core up in smoke.

      Despite a few errant raindrops, an estimated 20,000 smokers attended the event, which included live music, speeches about prohibition and politics, and what was easily the largest outdoor marijuana market in the country.

      Over 80 booths and untold numbers of pot peddlers riddled the grounds, some showing up as early as 8 a.m. to secure a prime spot for the entirely non-violent event.

      Speakers included Sensible B.C.'s Dana Larsen, Beyond Prohibition's Kirk Tousaw, and Princess of Pot Jodie Emery.

      "I think I'm ashamed that America is ahead of Canada with drug policy. Who would have thought it?" Emery asked the crowd during a speech on the main stage. 

      "Everyone of you here today is free," Emery told the amassed crowd.

      She urged people to educate themselves about Sensible BC's decriminalization campaign and to vote in the provinical election on May 14.

      People were packed shoulder to shoulder by 4:15 p.m., which was accompanied by a free joint toss in front of the main stage. The well-behaved masses managed to both sit down (an epic feat in and of itself at that point) and not trample the women who were handing out marijuana.

      And judging by the cloud rising from the crowd at the appointed time, there's no way anyone within 10 blocks of the art gallery didn't get a contact high.

      My only regret: it was way too crowded to check out Beekeeper. Next time, kids, next time!

      And my only complaint: there were dozens of scantily clad women on stage this year, but I didn't see a single half-naked man. Disappointment!

      If you're gonna objectify, at least be equal opportunists about it, yeah?

      Comments

      6 Comments

      Terry Joe Silverspoon

      Apr 22, 2013 at 7:16pm

      Should have nipped this pot smoking in the bud when those damned hippies and draft dodgers started smoking it back in the 1960's. Damn communists and filthy socialist are taking over this country!

      Joe

      Apr 22, 2013 at 10:59pm

      It was just a bunch of losers sitting around and drinking vitamin water from what i saw

      Roy Berger

      Apr 23, 2013 at 6:03am

      It's the biggest indictable crime spree in Canadian history.

      Chris

      Apr 23, 2013 at 7:47am

      Hey Terry; Pot has been around since time began and the hippies were not the first group to embrace it's use. Did you know in 1920 BC, marijuana was legal and alcohol was banned? As a non-drinker I would be 100% in favor of a return to those days. I mean, if you feel prohibition of a harmless plant makes sense, banning alcohol which kills thousands/year is a no-brainer.

      Cannabis Activists Rock

      Apr 23, 2013 at 9:43am

      Cannabis activism will lead to a much-needed shift of policy, creating a healthier, wealthier country. Legalization is important and inevitable. Support the efforts of those working to make it happen sooner.

      Katie

      Apr 7, 2014 at 11:56pm

      Miranda!
      you used my pic from the festival
      so funny to see it on google lol
      but thanks for writing such a great article!!!
      hopefully see you this year!